Yes, we rate the Interactive Brokers GIA as very good for long-term investing as thier IBKR “universal account” that lets you invest in all asset classes via physical shares, CFDs, futures, options or funds.
59.7% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider
- Experts highlight that Interactive Brokers' General Investment Account (GIA) is tailored for sophisticated investors, offering access to a wide range of investment products including derivatives and options. The platform is noted for its low-cost structure, with no account charges and minimal dealing commissions, making it one of the cheapest options available. However, slow customer service is mentioned as a drawback.
- Across 1375 user reviews on Good Money Guide, averaging 4.6/5, customers frequently commend the platform's low fees, broad market access, and advanced trading tools. Many users appreciate the ease of use and comprehensive service, while some express concerns about the complexity of the platform and occasional delays in customer support responses.
Interactive Brokers General Investment Account Expert rating
Our expert rating is the average of the areas listed here, each scored out of 5 by our team.Our experts have rated Interactive Brokers General Investment Account across one key area of our review framework.
- Excellent5.0
Pros
- Excellent market coverage
- Advanced investment platform
- Low-cost investing
Cons
- Customer service can be slow
See full expert review
Our verdict
Interactive Brokers’ (IBKR's) GIA is aimed at sophisticated investors, and offers access to derivatives, options, and futures. The platform is one of the cheapest across all asset classes. Capital is at risk.
Is IBKR's GIA a Good Account?
IBKR's GIA is its “universal account” that lets you invest in all asset classes via shares, CFDs, futures, options or funds.
The account is excellent for sophisticated investors who want to manage their own portfolios with complex order types. It's ideal for active investors who need access to a wider range of investment products like derivatives, options, and futures. IBKR is also one of the cheapest investment platforms across all asset classes, as it was built on offering electronic discount brokerage.
Fees
There is no account charge for general investment accounts at IBKR. When you buy and sell shares minimum dealing commissions are £1 in the UK or 0.05% of the deal size.
Special Offers
IBKR clients can earn $200 for each qualified referral while giving their friend the opportunity to earn up to $1000 of IBKR stock.
What is IBKR's Platform Like to Use?
The investment platform is a slimmed-down version of its exceptional desktop trader station. For investing it gives you a good overview of shares and funds.
Customer reviews for Interactive Brokers
Customer ratings come from reviews left on this site. Every review is read and approved before it is published.Based on 1,375 reviews
- Excellent74%
- Very good14%
- Basic7%
- Poor2%
- Bad2%
Read customer reviews
My best experience
Streamlined and efficient
Best platform
I have been working in private banking for many years, and I can confidently say that this is the best investing platform I have come across. The combination of competitive fees and outstanding service truly sets it apart. In fact, the overall experience is superior to what some private banks are currently offering.
Very good User Interface
The Mobile & Desktop Apps are extremely user friendly. The data on each stock/listing is extensive and further filters/cuts can be added to have the desired view. The statements provide a detailed overview of activity and MTM report.
Excellent trading platform
During my more than 7 years of experience trading US stocks and ETFs with different 8 brokers I have yet to come across a broker that would top Interactive Brokers. I hope they keep up the good work.
The best broker ever
I have been a client of Interactive Brokers for more than 7 years now. I am a raving fan of their services. As a long-term investor I am more than satisfied with all the aspects of their work.
Great
Great
Best trading platform
The platform that I have been using since 2021
Best in Class
great prices, great selection on global markets and access - app could be more user friendly
Excellent platform
Using IB for more than 10 years and during this time I find it an excellent platform for the non-expert trading user
Best and Rich Trading Platform
Best and Rich Trading Platform in terms of costs and usability
top and easy App
Very smooth app, has two apps, the older one with all the information or a newer one which has a better UI, more updated etc.
Smooth, runs good, best fx exchange rates, can't complain at all
security
security and low rates
The best broker
Great broker, low fees, many options for traders.They give good interest on the money kept on the account,way more than competitors. Never had a problem with them,I use many brokers but Interactive brokers is the best for me.
Excellent and affordable trading platform
An industry powerhouse best suited for experienced and active traders who need institutional-grade tools and access to global markets. Its strength lies in low costs, superior trade execution, and an incredibly wide range of tradable assets, including stocks, options, futures, forex, and more, across numerous countries.
Best platform
Investing regularly in S&P works very well
Intuitive, informative and Economic value add
I have found this platform easy to use, trustworthy, informative each and every time I've used it. I would recommend to to anyone who is looking to invest privately.
Easy and efficient
Really helpful platform with easy layout and clear investment options
Best platform for investing in US equities
Definitely worth a recommend. Seemless in transactions both deposit and withdrawals. Very transparent and quick. No hiccups since I've started using this service.
IB
Best investing website
Review of services provided by Interactive Brokers
Execution : excellent
Brokerage : low
Support: prompt, knowledgeable, courteous and above all, helpful
Payout: quick and easy
- Expert opinion: Interactive Brokers (IBKR) full review
Richard is the founder of the Good Money Guide (formerly Good Broker Guide), one of the original investment comparison sites established in 2015. With a career spanning two decades as a broker, he brings extensive expertise and knowledge to the financial landscape.
Having worked as a broker at Investors Intelligence and a multi-asset derivatives broker at MF Global (Man Financial), Richard has acquired substantial experience in the industry. His career began as a private client stockbroker at Walker Crips and Phillip Securities (now King and Shaxson), following internships on the NYMEX oil trading floor in New York and London IPE in 2001 and 2000.
Richard’s contributions and expertise have been recognized by respected publications such as The Sunday Times, BusinessInsider, Yahoo Finance, BusinessNews.org.uk, Master Investor, Wealth Briefing, iNews, and The FT, among many others.
Under Richard’s leadership, the Good Money Guide has evolved into a valuable destination for comprehensive information and expert guidance, specialising in trading, investment, and currency exchange. His commitment to delivering high-quality insights has solidified the Good Money Guide’s standing as a well-respected resource for both customers and industry colleagues.
